3rd Mining Workshop Held

The 3rd Mining Workshop was held in Izmir under the slogan "Our Life is Mining" and with the theme "Sustainable Mining".

Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Prof. Dr. Şeref Kalaycı, Deputy Minister of Trade Rıza Tuna Turagay and representatives of 15 civil society organizations participated in the workshop, which has become a tradition and was hosted this year by the Aegean Mining Exporters Association.

Aydın Dinçer, Chair of the Mining Sector Board of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Istanbul Mining Exporters Association (İMİB), shared his views on the sector at the workshop. Dinçer also provided information about projects prepared regarding the education of young people to whom they will entrust the future of the sector.

Mining Sector, YÖK and Universities to Meet on 29 November

Dinçer provided information about the work being conducted with YÖK, university department heads and relevant ministries. Dinçer stated: "Together with YÖK, we plan to attract much more qualified students to universities by providing scholarships at minimum wage level to students of mining and geology faculties, entrusting the future of this sector. On 29 November, we will meet together with YÖK and our university department heads in Istanbul, with the participation of officials from our ministries, in a curriculum-related study." Dinçer also proposed a model for the education of mining and geology department students. Regarding the matter, Dinçer said: "We want to graduate students with a 7+1 model, that is, seven semesters at school and one semester working in industry or mines. We are starting our discussions with the Ministry of National Education and will ensure that additions are made to the curriculum in high schools and secondary schools so that mining and the importance of domestic resources are discussed more frequently."

Mining exports actually amount to 7 billion dollars

Dinçer, who reported the mining sector's export figure as 5 billion dollars, pointed out that trona ore and certain boron materials appear in the chemicals sector. Dinçer stated that with these additions, mining exports are at the 7 billion dollar level. He also added that they have organized trade missions to 20 countries over the past year together with the Ministry of Trade in order to raise this figure to higher levels. Dinçer announced that they have begun organizing panels on "Awareness in Turkish Mining and International Brand Journey" to improve mining perception and for sustainable and correct mining activities. Dinçer noted that these organizations are being organized with the support of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Trade. Dinçer also requested greater public support for the events they plan to organize in 50 provinces. Dinçer continued his remarks as follows: "We must extract the wealth beneath our soil and produce raw materials for heavy industries so that we can leave future generations a country with a higher standard of living and economic strength. Of course, environmental sensitivity is a concern for all of us. Mining activities are activities that can be conducted outside prohibited areas. Therefore, all permits and licenses we receive are based on law. Our government, civil society organizations, our companies and our Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry are working intensively to leave future generations a better environment."